Supporters of the measure, who used the term "death taxes" to describe the assessments, argued that the change would protect family farms and other small businesses when the owner dies and leaves them to relatives. Opponents said the measure amounted to one more tax dodge for the wealthy.

About 2 percent of taxpayers would be affected by the measure, according to estimates from the Legislative Revenue Office. More, however, might be able to take advantage of another part of the measure that exempts from taxes all property sales between family members and relatives.